Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Greetings all,

I am having a crack at building an Aquaponics system in Christchurch, New Zealand. I have 200 Chinook salmon and some gold fish in a 16,000L swimming pool right now.

There seems very little knowledge or support over here right now specific to our conditions. I'm even having to buy my pump from Oz. I gather that our conditions are considerably colder than our cousies across the tasman, and we are somewhat more restricted in our fish choices.

I have had a lot of help and support setting up my bee hive from the local bee club, without this I doubt we'd have two bee hives. I am getting a lot of interest in the fish farm from the University across the street, and TVNZ have already called once. I think if we could get this to work, and start a local AP club then the idea would spread like wild fire.

I would be curious to hear from anybody else in NZ having a crack at Aquaponics.

Good luck. Sounds like you're thinking big.

Hey mate, I have a friend on the gold coast who did the same with his swimming pool and was quite successful but as you say, a little different here. I don't see why it would be that different from any other except on a bigger scale, but Im no expert. As I understand it its all about balanced ecosystems.

Hey There,

I live in little River, Banks Peninsula. I help run a small market garden that supplies food to a local cafe in Christchurch. We have been looking into setting up a small aquaponic system out on our little 9 acre farm, with the goal of building a larger system at some point as we learn the concepts better. If possible, I would love to come and see your set up and pick your brain a little...

look forward to hearing from you
Cheers
Josh

Hi
The salmon sounds good.
I would be very interested in getting some salmon off you if that was possible.
Please ring 0223640118

Hi,

I'm new in New Zealand, living in Auckland.
I've been trying to find out what fish I could potentially use for an AP system but so far the only options seem to be goldfish and Koi, is that correct? Do I have any choices for edible fish or am I being too optimistic?

Some advice would be appreciated.

Regards, Martin.

Hi there,

I'm looking to do the same thing with Salmon from Christchurch in the North Island. Curious to know if this worked for you and any ideas on setting up? Would love to discuss if you could spare the time please?

Thanks.

hi, i grew up in nz and there were trout hatchery's everywhere? i'm totally new, but wouldn't this be an option for you?

NZ regulations don't permit farming of trout.

http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Commercia ... pecies.htm

Yeah sorry Buck, Charlie is right. I am sure if you wanted to do it on a farming scale you could get the permits you need but for small backyard setups I doubt you would be able to get the permits you need to do it.

I have however found that grass carp might be a possibility. They are unable to breed in NZ waters as the climate does not suit their breeding habits. So I might be able to get some of those and grow them out when I am able to set something up.

http://nzwaterways.co.nz/

http://www.ruraldelivery.net.nz/2013/06/grass-carp/

http://www.mti.net.nz/

Silver Carp are also a possibility but they are filter feeders that mainly eat algae so I don't know how easy or practical it is to feed them.

http://mti.net.nz/latest-news-at-mti-mahurangi-technical-institute-of-warkworth/nzs-rarest-fish-at-mti-mahurangi-technical-institute-of-warkworth

I'm also looking at starting up a system in Christchurch and would love a chance to see what people already have and pick your brains. Since I'm brand new here I'm not allowed to PM anyone so could you contact me to arrange something pls? I'm on 021319096 or <my username> (at)gmail(dot)com.

Thanks

Guys, I'm in Auckland.

Grass Carp is impossible for small scale. I've contact MTI. $50 for 250mm big fish. $1-$3 each fry but only sell at 10,000. And it needs permit.

David from MTI told me "Pacu and Giant Gourami are both good in aquaponics, available legally in NZ in the pet trade and require no permits at all. They are also largely vegetarian, grow fast and taste nice. The only down side is that they are both tropical so you will have to heat the water."

Let me know if you have some new information.